As a twelfth-century supporter or critic, assess the importance of Hildegard of Bingen. If you write from the point of view of a supporter, highlight the aspects of Hildegard’s life and work that such a person might find appealing and inspiring. If you write from the point of view of a critic, highlight the aspects of her life and work that such a person might find unconventional, threatening, or heretical. Whichever choice you make, be sure to include a discussion of Hildegard’s gender in your essay.

You may find it helpful to review the sections of Chapter 9 of your textbook titled “The Papacy” and “Monks, Nuns, and Friars” before you begin.